§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the application for severe disability premium by Miss J. Ellis of Willenhall will be decided by the social security commissioner local ref. ASB/9209: and if he will make a statement on the reason for the delay involved in this case. [14412]
§ Mr. Roger EvansMiss Ellis's application is not yet with the social security commissioners. The adjudication officer has sought leave to appeal to the social security commissioners against the decision of the Wolverhampton tribunal dated 13 December 1994. The application is being considered by the tribunal chairman. I understand that if the application is refused the adjudication officer will seek leave directly from the commissioners.
The delays in hearing appeals in this case, and others like it, have been caused by various court decisions on the interpretation of the regulations.